Research and Reviews on Healthcare: Open Access Journal DOI: 10.32474/RRHOAJ.2020.05.000223 ISSN: 2637-6679 Review Article Heterogeny In Analyses of The Greek God Hermes: A Systematic Review Trevor C Hunt BA* College of Health Professions, The University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA *Corresponding author: Trevor C Hunt BA, College of Health Professions, 4035 S Riverpoint Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ, USA Received: October 02, 2020 Published: October 12, 2020 Abstract Hermes was the ancient Greek god of trade, wealth, luck, fertility, animal husbandry, sleep, language, thieves, and travel. One of the cleverest and most mischievous of the Olympian gods, he was the patron of shepherds, invented the lyre, and was, above all, the herald and messenger of Mt. Olympus so that he came to symbolize the crossing of boundaries in his role as a guide between the two realms of gods and humanity. To the Romans, the god was known as Mercury. Herein, we present a review of the literature expoundingKeywords: upon Urology; significant Hermes; heterogeneity Greek; Mythology; in the classicalReview understanding and interpretation of this figure within urology. Main Text extremely broad work that is the Theogony, Hermes is given some The Slayer of Argos; Keeper of the Flocks; Messenger of the of his most crucial traits. His power over animals and ability to Gods: all of these are epithets for the glorious Greek god Hermes make them mate and produce offspring is referenced early on in a that appear in the urologic literature. Indeed, Hermes is quite the passage speaking primarily of Hecate, who shares the same power multifaceted character in the Greek mythological tradition. As with [1]. Later in the work, Hesiod uses the phrase “glorious Hermes” most Olympians, he occupies a wide range of positions among the and refers to him as “the Immortals’ herald” when describing his Immortals and appears in a vast amount of mythic tales. Naturally, lineage from Zeus and the Atlantid Maia, who is the daughter of with such a broad range of material composed over such an the Titan Atlas[1]. Although only two lines, Hesiod’s words were not chosen lightly, as “glorious Hermes” is a meaningful and not always set in stone. Akin to a headless marble sculpture, the expansive time period, the characteristics that define Hermes are commonly used epithet throughout Greek mythology. For the main components of Hermes’ character are universal throughout most part, Hermes is a very likeable and positive character. He embodies many of the characteristics of the ideal Greek, albeit not by each individual author. The majority of works present a rather Greek mythology, yet the more specific details were often decided to the same level as Apollo. As the direct descendant of Zeus, he is one dimensional Hermes, casting him as either a brave and expected to be wise, fair, and morally inclined, and this is generally glorious messenger or a bold and wheedling trickster; however, the the case, admittedly with a handful of exceptions cropping up in Homeric Hymn to Hermes appropriately fuses these two contrary his early youth. Furthermore, Hermes’ blood relation to the Titans characterizations and presents a holistic view of Hermes that is probably played a part in the incredible strength that he is born both accurate and functional. with, which impresses even his fellow gods [2]. As messenger of Hermes takes on an almost entirely positive role in Hesiod’s the gods, Hermes must constantly represent the will of Zeus and Theogony as well as in the Homeric Hymn to Apollo and the his fellow Olympians, so it is only natural that his leadership skills Homeric Hymn to Demeter. While only mentioned twice in the are superior to that of most other Immortals. This aptitude for Copyright © All rights are reserved by Trevor C Hunt BA. 537 Res & Rev Health Care Open Acc J Volume 5 - Issue 5 Copyrights @ Trevor C Hunt BA. leadership is displayed indirectly when Apollo divulges his desire from inside of him. Hermes’ foul play does not stop here, however, to both prophesy the will of Zeus and play the lyre,[3] which is an as Zeus also asks him to deliver the troublesome Pandora to the instrument that Hermes himself invented. Prophesy in Greek myth is a form of divine leadership bestowed as a riddle upon mortal gladly completes. Pandora is given to Epimetheus disguised as a human whom Prometheus had given fire to, a task which Hermes worshipers, and the author uses the association of prophesy with gift, leading to the opening of Pandora’s Box and the scattering of the lyre as a way to reference the elevated leadership skills that miseries and displeasures into the mortal world.5 What is striking Hermes possesses. Furthermore, a slightly more literal example is about this tale is not necessarily its subject matter, but the new and the march of Apollo and his Cretan followers to his oracle at Pytho. dishonorable traits associated with Hermes. While still the loyal During this march, Apollo plays his beloved lyre while the Cretans, and wise messenger of Zeus, he is now additionally portrayed as following behind, beat time and sing joyously [3]. In contrast to these obscure references to Hermes’ intrinsic qualities, more his “wheedling words”;[5] no longer is Hermes merely skilled in being skilled in the ways of trickery. Specifically, Zeus references direct characterizations are present in the Hymn to Demeter, in debate and persuasion, he is now seen as achieving these ends which Demeter casts a curse on the Earth’s agriculture because her through deceptive means. It is ironic that this evolution in Hesiod’s beloved daughter Persephone is taken to the Underworld by the portrayal of Hermes comes in a poem that is centrally concerned god Hades. As herald of the Immortals, Hermes is sent to Erebos with teaching good values. Additional dark elements of Hermes’ to reason with Hades and ultimately bring Persephone back to her personality make themselves known in the Prometheus Bound. The Titan Prometheus has been bound by Zeus for the crime of, phrase “wheedle Hades with soft words” when describing Hermes’ mother,4 a task in which he is successful. Specifically, Zeus uses the task [4]. In doing so, Zeus alludes to Hermes’ cunning mind and men. Late in the play, Hermes enters, acting as the loyal mouthpiece contradictory to Hesiod’s account, giving fire to the race of mortal persuasive diction which are crucial to his success in the rescue of Zeus, who wants Prometheus to divulge a piece of information of Persephone. Indeed, the myth paints a rather heroic picture of that is crucial to the continuation of Zeus’ reign over the Immortals Hermes as the savior of Persephone. By venturing bravely into the [6]. In a manner that is rarely, if ever, seen in his character Hermes depths of Hades in search of a damsel in distress, Hermes embodies speaks quite authoritatively to Prometheus, criticizing and belittling him at every opportunity. Right from the start, Hermes burning buildings to rescue those who are trapped and unable to has an attitude similar to that of a playground bully, picking on the heroism associated with modern day firemen, who boldly enter save themselves. Further cementing his role as a brave and glorious Prometheus and calling him names [6]. This is a striking contrast savior is the epithet that he is referred to by, Slayer of Argos [4]. to the glorious, heroic Hermes portrayed in other works such as Argos was a monstrous herdsman with eyes all over his body that the Hymn to Demeter. In his defense, Hermes does attempt to help Hera requisitioned to guard Io during the period in which Zeus Prometheus’ situation, trying to get him to see reason and submit lusted for her. At the bidding of Zeus, Hermes loyally sought out and to the will of Zeus, as he can gain nothing by opposing it.6 However, slayed Argos, which was not an easy task as Argos was very similar Hermes still resorts to childish impulsiveness; when Prometheus to Hermes in that he was both swift and cunning. In completing his mocks Hermes’ position, calling him a mere errand boy, Hermes duties, Hermes earned the prestigious title Slayer of Argos. This quickly retorts with a sarcastic verbal blow[6]. Such bickering heroism, combined with the wisdom, loyalty, and leadership that is unseemly among divine beings, especially one as revered as Hermes possesses is often demonstrated by Greek authors who Hermes. Despite both his bullying tactics and his genuine, earnest prefer to shed a positive light on Hermes’ character. attempts to help Prometheus see reason which are approved of by On the contrary, a more mischievous, dishonest undertone makes no progress with Prometheus and resorts to a blunt show is present in Hermes’ character in works such as Aeschylus’ the Leader character, who confirms Hermes’ wisdom,[6] Hermes of power in which he describes Zeus’ impending wrath.6 This is a Prometheus Bound and Hesiod’s Works and Days. At its most basic drastic contrast to the mainstream Hermes who is generally able level, this morally defunct characterization of Hermes is visible in to accomplish his ends, whether they are noble or mischievous, Hesiod’s didactic poem. The Works and Days functions as a moral via wisely chosen words and his compelling persuasiveness. While code of sorts for Greek citizens. This serves to heighten the contrast both the Works and Days and the Prometheus Bound expose Hermes’ dishonest side, Aeschylus’ poem is truly unique in that it thereof in Hermes’ character, which draws the reader’s attention between the good morals recommended by Hesiod and the deficit portrays a menacing Hermes does not present in other areas of the immediately to him.